Kythera (also called Kythira) is the Greek island straddling two seas: the Ionian and the Aegean. A crossroads of cultures, it seems perpetually poised between the Venetian elegance of the Ionian Islands (of which it is officially a part) and the postcard image of the Cyclades.
Lovers of archaeology and ancient artefacts should choose another island: devastated by earthquakes and looting, Kythera retains little of its thousand-year-old past. Or let them be fascinated by the island’s many myths and legends, starting with the one that sees Kythera as the birthplace of Venus, goddess of love and beauty.
According to other legends, the goddess was born in Cyprus, but it is easy to believe that a divine creature could emerge from the crystal-clear waters that bathe this island.
Arid and rural, Kythera sleeps for ten months of the year and only comes alive in July and August with the return of tourists. Remained off the main tourist circuits for a long time, it is an island that has so far mainly attracted domestic tourism: perfect for those who want to see a more authentic Greece and live in contact with the local population.
The best time to go to Kythera is early or late summer, when it is already warm enough to enjoy the sea and beaches but the island is still very quiet. The months of July and August are when the influx of tourists is greatest, which increases the price of flights and hotels.
If you like hiking, you can also visit Kythera in spring and autumn, with the advantage of lower prices and a more suitable climate for trekking.
It may not boast internationally famous attractions, but the island of Kythera is full of things to see and do.
At least half a day should be spent in the Chora, strolling through its steep alleys and browsing through the little shops. The city’s main attraction is the Kastro, a fortress built by the Venetians in the early 16th century that provides an exceptional vantage point. If you are interested in history and art, you can also visit the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Byzantine Art.
No less interesting are the small, characteristic inland villages such as Potamos, Karavas and Mylopotamos. Here you can shop in markets or craft shops, try local specialities and enjoy peaceful moments in a beautiful natural setting.
From the village of Mylopotamos there is a magnificent walking trail that follows the river. Along the way, you will see waterfalls, ponds and mills, and in an hour you will reach the last pond. From there you can return to the village along the same path or reach the coast with another two-hour walk.
Another attraction not to be missed in Kythera is the Moudari lighthouse on the promontory of Spathi, a good 25 metres high. By asking the villagers, it is possible to climb to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy a spectacular view.
Also very impressive is the Cave of Aghia-Sofia, a cave used as a church dedicated to St Sophia and decorated with medieval frescoes.
Kythera boasts a great variety of beaches, both sandy and rocky. Most are concentrated along the south coast of the island.
The most famous beach of Kythera is Kapsali, divided in two by an isthmus: one part is sandy and equipped, the other is pebbly and free. Behind the beach is a row of bars and small restaurants.
It is an excellent compromise between nature and comfort, perfect for those who want a lazy holiday and for those travelling with children. On the other hand, we do not recommend it to those who like peace and quiet because it is the busiest beach on the island and is sometimes a little noisy.
The best beach on Kythera for those seeking comfort is Paleopolis, the longest on the island. It is located along the east coast and is easily reached by car thanks to a road that runs parallel to it. It is equipped with numerous facilities.
Returning to the south, two more beautiful beaches are Melidoni and Chalkos, both equipped beaches set in picturesque bays. They can be reached by car along a dirt road. Of the two, Melidoni is quieter.
A beautiful beach along the east coast is Kaladì, a pebble beach divided into three zones by large rocks that can be reached by descending a steep flight of stone steps. Kaladì is popular for diving: in its waters experienced divers can admire the wreck of a ship that sank in the early 19th century.
The most remote beach of Kythera is the enchanting Kyriakoulou, which can only be reached by boat. It is a beach hidden between high rocky promontories, ideal for those who want to spend a couple of hours in solitude and for those who enjoy swimming in deep waters.
Other beaches not to be missed in Kythera are: Kombonada, Firi Ammos, Agios Nikolaos, Diakofti, Limnionas, Agia Pelagia.
Compared to other Greek islands, tourism on Kythera is less developed, but this should not make you think you can look for a hotel once you arrive on the island.
The offer of accommodation on Kythera is scarce and in July and August these are taken by storm by Greek tourists, so it is necessary to book in advance.
The island’s capital, Chora, is a typical Greek town clinging to the slopes of a hill, with its inevitable cascade of small white houses. It has just over 200 inhabitants: this number rises exponentially in summer, but Chora remains a quiet town, complacent about its small treasures. Essential services are available and there are plenty of small restaurants and traditional tavernas: nothing fancy, but the cuisine is tasty and the prices very good.
Kapsali and Livadi are the main resorts of Kythera. Don’t expect wild nightlife or long pedestrian streets lined with shops and restaurants: people come here mainly for the scenery and beautiful beaches. Kapsali is an expanse of low houses beside a magnificent bay sheltered from the wind; Livadi is a handful of houses just 6 km from Chora.
Diakofti is the island’s main port, where ferries arrive. It is actually located on a small islet connected to the island of Kythera by a bridge. For many, it is just a port of call to be quickly abandoned, but the idea of staying in this town should not be discarded a priori: after all, it is the first one you come across and it is also very scenic.
We offer a selection of hotels at Kythera to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Kythera, sorted by number of reviews.
If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Kythera. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Kythera are in high demand.
The quickest and easiest way to get to Kythira is to take a cheap flight to Athens and from there a domestic one to the island. There are also flights from Thessaloniki and the islands of Corfu, Kefalonia and Zakynthos, but they are not confirmed every year.
Getting there by ferry is rather difficult as connections are scarce and even these are not confirmed every year.
When available, ferries to Kythera can be taken from the port of Piraeus in Athens or from the port of Neapoli on the Peloponnese.
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